Text messaging has become one of the primary means of communication the world over. (CU Independent photo illustration/Patrick Ghidossi)
“Sexting,” or the texting of nude or semi-nude photos from cell phone to cell phone, is one trend that Boulder students say they are avoiding. With nearly all students having access to cell phones with camera and texting capabilities, there are clearly reasons why this is one craze that students are not crazy about.
One reason for the lack of interest in the subject on campus is due to the age demographic “sexting” appeals to.
Sarah Abrams, a 21-year-old senior psychology major, says that “sexting” appeals to a much younger age group than college students.
“I may be showing my age, but I would think ‘sexting’ is more prevalent among high school students,” Abrams said. “I don’t do it myself, but I’m sure there are plenty of people that do it.”
Gavin Dean, a 21-year-old junior ecology and evolutionary biology major, said that the term itself shows the age interested.
“All age groups would be interested in this because it’s about sex, right?” Dean said. “I suppose that since younger kids are having a higher access to technology that would explain why they might be the ones primarily participating in this form of texting.”
It has also been argued that “sexting” is just for people committed to a long-distance relationship, which would make it unappealing to those students who are single this spring.
Some students said they disagreed.
Abrams said she believes that regardless of the age, this form of communication might be used in all forms of relationships.
“There is variability in what types of relationships might be interested in ‘sexting,’” Abrams said. “Both long-distance relationships and normal relationships might find it useful.”
Dean said that although the texting of sexual content might be a joking matter for some people, it could be beneficial for people in a long-distance relationship.
“[‘Sexting’] almost seems like a joke among friends,” Dean said. “I guess it could have a place in long-distance relationships though.”
Regardless of the actual use of “sexting” between cell phones on campus, the prevailing opinion is that it is an odd way to pass the time.
Heather Witte, a 21-year-old senior psychology major, said “sexting” seems strange to her.
“The media portrayal is all about these middle school kids ‘sexting’ each other,” Witte said. “I think it’s just ridiculous myself.”
Dean said that although he doesn’t have much of an opinion either way, he agrees that the fad is absurd.
“I think it’s so silly,” Dean said.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jenna Fredrickson at Jenna.fredrickson@colorado.edu.
